Kent Yoga Center: No Need to be Shy!

As part of a larger project that I’m working on, I recently had the honor of photographing one of Kent Yoga Center’s drop-in classes.

Now, before I begin, let me say that I have – alone at home – done a little yoga over the years to Rodney Yee videos because:

1. Yoga is such great and gentle exercise
2. When you’re finished with a yoga session, you are not only NOT out of breath, but you feel like a million bucks!
3. Yoga is an amazing practice to help with back issues
4. Yoga really can shape you up, and for the most part, it’s so much fun that you don’t feel like you’re exercising
5. Yoga is an excellent stress buster
6. Yoga can be practiced by anyone of any gender at any age (from 1 to 100)

That said, I have NEVER attended a yoga class. I thought that I would feel ridiculous in a classroom setting because:

• I couldn’t pass as a yoga poster child by any stretch (ha-ha… get it?)
• I think I get how to do yoga, but surely I would end up looking “silly” in a group
• I’m not fanatical about anything except photography, so certainly I would not be emotionally supported in my casual approach
• Worse, the classroom would be filled with nothing but wealthy 30-year-olds who have little to do but to work on their bodies and minds
• …And of course, they would be far too beautiful and perfect, making me stick out like a sore thumb

Well, let me tell you something: When you first step into Kent Yoga Center, any lingering fears float away like gentle balloons at a wedding exodus.

Heidi Shaffer, the yoga guru who led this Wednesday morning’s class, was welcoming, gentle and full of good humor.

As I moved about, photographing the women who were participating that morning (normal, regular women… not women who looked obsessed with snagging the cover of Shape magazine), I was impressed with Heidi’s gentle humor in both leading and in instructing. Not that you’d expect a drill sergeant, of course, but, well, maybe I was anticipating an experience somewhat… stressful.  And nothing could be further from the truth.

As for the center itself, the building is as lovely as those who inhabit it. Anyone looking for a great way to exercise, relax and de-stress in a safe, non-threatening environment will feel right at home.

I’m not certain if Kent Yoga offers gift certificates, but if they do, giving one would be a

thoughtful gesture for anyone who’s looking for something a little different but, perhaps,needs a push in the right direction.

At the very least, do stop in and take a look around.

Email info@kentyogacenter.com to find out what would be a good time to pop in, or find Kent Yoga Center on Facebook.

Information from Kent Yoga Center’s Website follows below:

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We have 12 weekly Core Classes that are a drop-in format (start anytime): mornings, evenings & weekends! See the 2010 Schedule. Just show up to these classes. If there is a holiday or a traveler’s advisory for weather, check the website for cancellations.

For more information see the 2010 Schedule, Class Descriptions or call (330) 677-8169.

Special classes:

Yoga Basics: Next 6-week series will be held in January 2011. If you are a beginner, you don’t have to wait until then to start practicing at Kent Yoga. If you choose the right level of intensity, you should be able to do a drop-in class practice. Yoga Basics describes breath, alignment and awareness in greater detail for a deeper knowledge foundation. It is a good idea to take it, but you don’t have to start with it! (That’s why we don’t call it “Beginner Yoga.” Many of our students are still beginners.)

Teen/Tween Yoga - ages 10-18 Mondays 4-5 pm Starting Oct. 18th (every other week) 6 sessions/$35 or $8 drop-in. Instructor: Margot

Parent/Child (babies & toddlers) Yoga - Tuesdays 3-4 pm Sept. 21st – Oct 26. 6 weeks/$40. $10 drop-in. Instructor: Nichole

Kid’s Yoga (ages 3-6 yr)- New 6-week series starting Sat. Oct. 23rd, 11-11:30 am. $30 ($25 in advance). Instructor: Cassie Pegg-Kirby  Join the fun! Parents are welcome to participate or enjoy our quiet waiting room.

Prenatal Yoga – Next session will be held during Winter 2011. Please email if interested and keep checking the website for our start-date. 2nd or 3rd trimester only.

Gentle Chair Yoga - $10 drop-in or prorate for remaining classes in the series. Call or email before attending if you are new.

Possibly coming this Winter: Family Yoga for older kids (7+) and their families or other adults. Email if you want to encourage this class series TBA on weekends. Tell us whether Friday night, Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon would be best.

Parking: Weekdays before 5 – park anywhere at the Silk Mill; after 5 and on weekends – park in the lower lot or the neighboring public lot. Bicyclists: There is a bike rack behind the building, by the river.

For more information, visit Kent Yoga’s Center’s WEBSITE.